Any thoughts on Noa Bistro in Jaffa? I'm looking for a romantic meal that's memorable but not quite fine dining. Noa looks like a good fit, but recent reviews have been mixed. Any insights?
Thanks!

We ended up eating at Rico's World Kitchen (http://ricosworldkitchen.com/) and it was an amazing meal. Exactly what I was looking for. I highly recommend it.

Anyone know what time in the morning The NoMad starts taking reservations? It's a 28-day advance, which works for me. Thanks for the recommendations!

Thanks! Challenge is that I don't eat meat and he doesn't eat seafood/pork, so we can't go the strictly tasting menu route. If we change our habits one day, I would love to try a lot of those options.

I'm trying to decide among a couple of options for a 30th birthday dinner for my boyfriend. We are Brooklynites that love outerborough food adventures when we are on our own, but we've also had our fair share of fancy Manhattan meals with family, etc. over the years.

I want to take him somewhere for his 30th birthday that is fitting of the occasion--Something with special food that is more upscale than our typical celebratory meals, but something that will still be fun and young. I'm looking for something similar to ABC Kitchen--we ate there last year and absolutely loved the food and vibe.

What do you think is the best choice from this list (where I've been able to make reservations so far)?
- Gramercy Tavern
- Boulud Sud
- Dressler
- ABC Kitchen (should we just go here again?)

Also open to other options, but I'm a little less than 30 days out from the occassion, so I'm not postitive I'll be able to get reservations elsewhere.

Thanks!

We are staying at Shinneyboo Cabin Creeks in Soda Springs, CA in mid-August, and are looking for some recommendations for restaurants in the area (or, barring the existence of anything close by, within 30 minutes drive). Any suggestions? Lunch and/or dinner? Thanks!!

Anyone know where to get rye bagels in NYC? They are extremely delicious but very elusive.

Any help is appreciated! Thanks.

I'm staying at the Lake Lanier Resort in Buford this weekend, but I'm hoping to sneak away for a meal somewhere outside of the resort.
Any suggestions for good, unique food in the area? I'm looking for something on the cheaper, less fancy side of the spectrum. Something with good local character / flavor that this NYer can't get up north. Thanks!

If you are willing to do Brooklyn, Brooklyn Winery has a space that might work.

Following up almost 4 years later, we ended up going to Lindenwood Diner, and I have been back since on my way back from the airport. Totally reliable and enjoyable. I highly recommend if you are looking for something near JFK. Especially for breakfast!
http://www.lindenwooddiner.com/

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Lindenwood Diner
2870 Linden Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11208

I'm meeting my parents for a casual weeknight dinner on the UES for geographic convenience. Anywhere that is particularly good that we should try? Price isn't an issue, but I'm not looking for something fancy or formal. Just a notably good meal. All ethnic foods are fair game. Should be reasonably vegetarian friendly. Thanks!

thanks for all the great recommendations! we ended up going to Ayada, which was perfect. Food was delicious, atmosphere was right, and everyone had a great time. the food really was outstanding. The small size of the restaurant really comes through in the attention the kitchen pays to your food. Service wad good too. I will definitely be back.
Now I just need to find some time to try the other suggestions! Thanks everyone!

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Ayada
77-08 Woodside Ave, Queens, NY 11373

My grandma in Rego Park has agreed to let me take her out to the cuisine of my choice in relatively close driving distance from her apartment (Elmhurst, Flushing, etc). I was planning on going to Southern Spice until I heard that it had moved. Two most important criteria: Must be delicious/noteworthy (along the lines of Spicy Mina, Chao Thai, Southern Spice), but more importantly must be relatively quiet and the tables not packed too tight. This is why I thought Southern Spice would be a good choice, where as Chao Thai may not be (even though I'm dying to go back there!). I took her to Sripraphai over the summer, and she was a good sport about the noise, but I could tell she would have preferred somewhere where we she could hear us better.
Any recommendations? All cuisines welcome. Thanks!

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Chao Thai
85-03 Whitney Ave, Queens, NY 11373

Thanks everyone for all of these great suggestions! We ended up going to Gypsy Joynt in Great Barrington, but I was really pulling for La Fogata. Will have to try it next time I'm in town.

Gypsy Joynt review: Totally fine super casual meal. Too many menu items--made it hard to decide. Food was fine, but there was a great magician walking around doing shows at every table--the highlight of the evening!

After a week of enjoying fine dining around the Berkshires (Nudel, Mezze, Bistro Zinc), we're looking for something a little more casual and fun (but still delicious!). Any suggestions for a hidden gem in the area that will be a little more relaxed (and more off the beaten path)? All cuisines are fair game. We're in west stockbridge, but willing to travel. Thanks!

Looking for some suggestions for interesting restaurants in Aspen, CO. So far we've eaten at a bunch of great restaurants (Wild Fig, Ajax Tavern), but all of the menus at the restaurants are very similar (New American). Would love something more casual, more local, and a different cuisine. Would be willing to drive a little. Any ideas?

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Ajax Tavern
675 East Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611

Where can I buy frozen paneer (i.e. Swad brand or other) in or around Downtown Brooklyn/Park Slope? I don't need a full Indian grocery store, which I know I'm not going to find in this area. But has anyone seen paneer sold at another type of grocery store in the area? I'm trying to avoid the trek up to JH. Thanks!

Any suggestions for good places to go for vegetarian (or veggie-friendly / kosher-friendly) dim sum in SF (Chinatown or otherwise)? Thanks!

Just returned from a very successful dinner at Chung King. Thanks for all of the recommendations!
Here's what we ordered:
-- Sliced fish with cumin
-- Fried chicken chunks
-- Fish-flavored eggplant in small pot
-- Fried green beans (without meat)
-- Mapo Tofu (without meat)
-- Special braised cabbage

We loved the fish, cabbage, string beans and eggplant. Loved. Chicken was pretty good. Consensus at the table was that the tofu was not so good because the chili flavor overwhelmed the dish (although we enjoyed the texture of the tofu).

Overall, a fantastic dining experience. Super delicious. Nice staff. Highly recommended.

Thanks for all of the menu suggestions!!

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Chung King Restaurant
1000 S San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776

What are you favorite dishes at Chung King? Going there in a couple of days... Friends who have gone before say their ordering has been hit or miss, so we're looking for some sure things to order this time. Also need recs for vegetarian dishes there. Thanks!

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Chung King Restaurant
1000 S San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776

We went to Metro Cafe last week after reading these overwhelmingly positive chowhound reviews. We were very skeptical when we first arrived because the restaurant was completely EMPTY (at 8:30pm on a Saturday night), the decor is not much to speak of, and the menu was not that big. We decided to stick it out, and I am SO GLAD that we did.

The food was delicious! And the staff was very friendly and helpful. The Crispy Tofu was especially good -- our favorite order of the night. We also liked the Dried Sauteed Chicken with Three Peppers. The food is very spicy in the absolutely right way -- flavorful, and intense yet manageable.

I will definitely go back here and recommend it to others!

Any suggestions for good everyday lunch places in Park Slope (or nearby)? I work near Union and 4th and am looking for lunch places to go on a regular basis where I can get a meal for <$8. Restaurants with lunch specials or lunch portions/pricing would be a plus. Also should be vegetarian friendly. Thanks!

thanks everyone!

I'm looking to buy some good fresh ravioli to take home and cook. No fancy fillings, just ricotta. Anywhere I can get this in Cambridge? Or suggestions elsewhere?

where can i find a dinner-worthy salad around 14th street?

Any suggestions for a good Saturday brunch near JFK? Friends are in on a layover, and we're planning to meet up around 10:30am. The place doesn't need to be terribly close to the airport, as they have some time to kill, but I'd like to use this as an excuse to try something new in outer queens or brooklyn. Thoughts? We'll be a group of about 10. Thanks!

What's the best place to bring a large party (10+) for excellent mid-priced food that has a festive atmosphere and will also allow for conversation among the group (aka not too noisy!). Brooklyn, Manhattan or Queens preferable.